Reflux Condensation under Vacuum of a Methanol/Water Mixture with Plain Tube and Tube Inserts

• Published in: Heat transfer engineering Vol. 26; no. 7; pp. 3 - 10
• Main Authors: Ooi, T. H., Benson, H. R. S., HEGGS, P. J.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA Taylor & Francis Group 01.09.2005; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Devices using thermal energy; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Heat exchangers (included heat transformers, condensers, cooling towers); Water; Binary mixture; Condenser; Test facility; Pressure drop; Heat exchanger; Liquid vapor interface; Countercurrent flow; Experimental study; Insert; Heat transfer; Methanol
• ISSN: 0145-7632; 1521-0537
• DOI: 10.1080/01457630590959269

This paper presents preliminary observations and calculations obtained for the reflux condensation of a water-methanol vapor mixture in a plain tube and a tube fitted with inserts. It is an attempt to present findings that resolve the reflux condenser controllability and operability, which has always been a major issue in the industry. A modification to the experimental apparatus has improved pressure measurement and aided in determining mass and heat balance information, thus giving greater confidence in the operation of the reflux condenser. Tube inserts are installed in the condenser tube in two different arrangements. The tube inserts are called HiTRAN® and are manufactured by Cal Gavin Ltd. (UK). This work describes some of the behaviors observed in the reflux condenser both with and without tube inserts. The dynamic temperature and pressure trends are notable. The inserts threshold length is the length where the reflux condensation process avoids flooding and has a recovery of heavier and lighter components.